Using quickhitch as an implement

[bkuhn]

I need to skid some fairly large logs and started looking around for a 3pt implement to do this with. I really just need to lift the end (no real need for a winch for example) and as I looked around I realized that I might already have a pretty good log arch...my quick hitch.

What I have is the harbor freight quick hitch. What I'm thinking is if I were to weld a few hooks to the top horizontal bar (the one where the toplink attaches) I'd have a place to chain up and the shape of the quick hitch leaves a place for the log to hang.

Wanted to get some input on this. Seems like a great use of it but I don't recall seeing anything on the subject in the past and wondered if thats because there is a downside I have not considered. Any thoughts?

Brad

 

[MrJimi]

HF QH is not the strongest out there, I would recommend a three point pulling thing that would use all three points for a more even pull

 

[ctpres]

Have been using my quick hitch as log arch for one year now and would not consider buying anything else. I might get skid tongs but so far a big rope works nicely. back up to log loop one end on top hook and timber hitch around trunk and drive

 

[MarkV]

I know several have done the same thing and some have added logging tongs to hang from the QH. Do keep in mind that you are carrying the weight above the center of gravity so care is advised. I always thought the safest way to skid logs would be to lift the log with the QH and then add another chain going to the draw bar so the tractor is pulling from where it is designed to.

MarkV

 

[kennyd]

Yup, as Mark said, logging tongs attached to the top hook.

Here is an old post with great pics:
CLICK HERE

 

[srjones]

One word of caution is to be very careful when going downhill or coming to quick stop. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[HTWT]

Be careful, as mentioned before you are above the center of gavity and as such can flip the tractor over backwards. Go slow and remain alert. Try this with a toy tractor. Tie a string to the seat and then rotate the tires and obsurve what happens. Think!!!

 

[Loogie]

Be careful, as mentioned before you are above the center of gavity and as such can flip the tractor over backwards. Go slow and remain alert. Try this with a toy tractor. Tie a string to the seat and then rotate the tires and obsurve what happens. Think!!!

Normally I would agree with you, but in the instance shown in the pictures from the referenced thread I have to disagree. The log is only a few inches off the ground. If the tractor were to begin to rotate backwards the log would be fully on the ground very quickly and all downforce would then stop. Now if he were trying to pull a tree down using that point to connect the chain, that would be a whole 'nother story - and a much more interesting one too!

 

[tractorworks]

"The log is only a few inches off the ground."
What happens when it catches on someting and stops, but tractor does not.
Doug

 

[Loogie]

I agree that if the log were to catch on something and the driver were to continue forward that it could lift the front off the gorund, but the chain for the tongs is only sitting inside the top hook it would quickly slip off the top of the hook. Less than optimum? Definitely. Could it flip the tractor - no way.